Charter students recognized as AP Scholars
Art notes: Call for Christmas artisans and Gibbes Museum of Art announces deadline extension; Football benefit games this week plus news and sports
Note to subscribers: An annual or monthly subscription is billed to your debit or credit card as ARKANSAS.SUBSTACK.COM and if you have questions, please email arkansas@substack.com. Thanks for reading and subscribing!The Headlines
MEETINGS: The North Little Rock School Board meets at 5:30 p.m. tonight for a regularly scheduled meeting. The agenda can be viewed by clicking here. The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. That agenda can be viewed by clicking here.
EVENTS: Football is nearly here as Central Arkansas Christian played a benefit game on Tuesday while Maumelle travels to Mills for a benefit game at 7 p.m. tonight. North Little Rock hosts El Dorado for a benefit game at 7 p.m. on Friday night as the Brad Bolding Era, Part 2, electric boogaloo begins. We’ll see. In other football news, Arkansas begins its season with Alabama A&M this Saturday and not much of a contest is expected. Sam Pittman, however, begins the season already on the hot seat as The Associated Press identified him as one of the six coaches most likely to be fired by year’s end. That seems unkind given Arkansas won more games than it lost last season and also claimed a Liberty Bowl win but when you got inches to fill, you need to fill them with something. In more sports news, the Burns Park Tennis Center is hosting an academy. For more, check out the flyer below.
54 Charter students recognized as AP Scholars
Fifty-four Maumelle Charter High School students have been recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board based on last year's exams.
“These students not only achieved outstanding scores, but many went above and beyond by taking multiple AP courses. Just for reference we had 29 scholars last year, this is a huge increase,” said Katie Johnson, MCHS principal.
“AP Scholar achievement is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our amazing educators and parents. It also speaks volumes about the culture of high expectations we've built together and the impact of our Pre-AP implementation within 8-10th grade.”
The criteria for each:
AP Scholar: Students who receive a 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
AP Scholar with Honor: Students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
AP Scholar with Distinction: Students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
Class of 2025
Rose Cavalier
Ethan Chen**
Eli Eaton*
Addison Green
Mariah Hinson
Olivia Jackson
Laiah Jones
Christian McGill
Marley Page**
Benjamin Patterson
Anna Roach
Nicha Saftich
Leila Scroggins**
Samuel Sharum**
Peyton Williams
Class of 2026
Caleb Amick
Emma Bates
Beckham Branham**
Kaden Childers
Rebecca Dunn*
Eva Harrell**
Marissa Hennessey
Caitlin Hudgens
Taylor Jamison**
Joel Jefferson**
Timothy Kelley**
Carter Martin*
Emmy Morgan
Ashlynn Pecanty**
Ayden Pittman*
Braxton Porter**
Kamari-Elizabeth Rhodes
Joseph Roe
Brenden Stubbs
Jayden Vanasit
Bladen Young**
Tim Zhang
Class of 2027
Michelle Baeza
Henry Blair
Norah Bryant*
Christopher Caviness
Lauren Culpepper*
Annika Eade
Lola Melton
Finley Mobley
Phat Nguyen*
Yoali Palos*
Nam Pham*
Dain Poff**
Caden Prill
Marley Spraggins*
Bella Tran*
Savanna Vong
Class of 2028
Anant Borad*
*AP Scholar with Honor
**AP Scholar with Distinction
Art notes
Call for Christmas artisans
The Arkansas Craft Guild is now accepting applications for talented artisans to participate in the 47th Annual Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase, one of Little Rock’s longest-running and most respected fine arts and crafts markets. The event will take place Dec. 5-7 at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry.
Artisan applications can be done online at www.arkansascraftguild.org/event-applications. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1.
For nearly five decades, the Christmas Showcase has been a premier holiday shopping destination, featuring handmade, high-quality creations from artists across the region. This juried event offers artisans the unique opportunity to showcase and sell their work directly to an audience that values craftsmanship, originality, and artistry.
The Arkansas Craft Guild is seeking artists and makers specializing in: Pottery & Ceramics; Woodworking; Jewelry & Metalwork; Fiber Arts & Textiles; Fashion Apparel; Stained & Fused Glass; Painting; Photography; Sculpture & Mixed Media; Candles, Bath & Body Products; Toys, Greeting Cards; Home Décor, & Collectibles; Seasonal Originals; Honey & Gourmet Foods.
Every vendor is the actual artisan behind the work! Buyers love connecting directly with the creators of their favorite pieces.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/christmasshowcase or contact the Arkansas Craft Guild at 870-269-4120 or by email at arkansascraftguild@gmail.com.
The Gibbes Museum of Art announces deadline extension
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon in the American South since its establishment in 1858, announces the extension of the deadline for artists to submit for the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art ‒ the new deadline is Sept. 7.
The 1858 Prize is recognized as one of the leading artist competitions in the Southeastern United States, and awards $10,000 each year to an artist whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South.
Artists must reside, work in, or be from these Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
The Prize is presented by Society 1858, the museum’s young professionals auxiliary group. In addition to the monetary award, a work by the winning artist will be exhibited in the museum for a full year. The museum will also invite the winner to Charleston for the official unveiling of their artwork, part of a three-day celebration in February honoring the artist ‒ including the annual Society 1858 Winter Party, and the Amy P. Coy Forum, where the artist will be invited to speak about their work. The winner will be announced in October of 2025. A jury comprised of arts professionals, representatives of Society 1858, and the previous year’s recipient will select the winner.
Some of the past winners have gone on to receive major national awards and accolades, including: the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, the Joan Mitchell Fellowship, the United States Artist Fellowship, and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant. Some of the winning artists’ works have been acquired in the permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The National Gallery of Art, and Art Institute of Chicago, among other institutions. Through the years and in the spirit of supporting living artists, the Gibbes Museum has also acquired several works by Prize winners and finalists for its permanent collection.
More details about the submission process at: gibbesmuseum.org/1858-prize (applications are accepted exclusively through the museum’s website). Rules and eligibility details at this link (the online application is here).
Since the inaugural prize of 2008, the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art recognizes the highest level of artistic achievement and welcomes applications from artists working across all media. View previous winning artists and their work here.
Past winners of the Prize include:
Demond Melancon (2024), Sherrill Roland (2023), Raheleh Filsoofi (2022), Stephanie J. Woods (2021), Stephen L. Hayes (2020), Donté K. Hayes (2019), Leo Twiggs (2018), Bo Bartlett (2017), Alicia Henry (2016), Deborah Luster (2015), Sonya Clark (2014), John Westmark (2012), Patrick Dougherty (2011), Radcliffe Bailey (2010), Stephen Marc (2009) and Jeff Whetstone (2008).
Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame to honor women in construction at Induction Ceremony tonight
The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame is proud to announce a new addition to its 2025 Induction Ceremony: a special recognition honoring the growing impact of women in historically underrepresented professions.
As part of its Arkansas Live initiative, Arkansas PBS will livestream the ninth annual Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony tonight, Aug. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at myarpbs.org/arkansaslive.
Inductees include:
Contemporary:
Margaret L. Bogle, PhD – Dietitian.
Bettina E. Brownstein – Activist and attorney.
Paula J. Casey – Attorney and professor, dean and vice provost for UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law.
Regina H. Favors – Claims processor, president and CEO of Pinnacle Business Solutions Inc. and professor.
Stacie M. Jones, MD – Scientist.
Historical:
Maud R. Crawford (1891-1957) – Founder of Arkansas Girls State and attorney.
Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni (1888-1970) – Poet and activist.
Group:
All American Red Heads Basketball Team – Entertainment.
Additional information is available at arwomenshalloffame.com.
Education news
ASPSF accepting fall scholarship applications
Single parents enrolling in school for the Fall 2025 semester can apply for a scholarship from nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) beginning Aug. 1.
To apply, single parents must go to aspsf.org/apply and fill out an online form with supporting documentation. Both new students and current ASPSF recipients can apply for a scholarship up to $1,600. The deadline is Sept. 1.
Applicants must have a GED or high school diploma but have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. ASPSF awards scholarships to single moms and dads working toward skilled-trade certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to professional careers with family-supporting wages.
Recipients must be enrolled in at least one three-hour class online or in-person. They must also have a 2.0 GPA, earn medium to low income, and participate fully in the ASPSF scholarship program by attending workshops and communicating with their local program manager.
A full list of ASPSF’s eligibility guidelines is available at aspsf.org/eligibility.
For more information, visit aspsf.org or contact Jen Lawrence at jlawrence@aspsf.org or 501-550-6304.
Sports
Little Rock Touchdown Club to be livestreamed on Arkansas PBS
As part of its Arkansas Live initiative, Arkansas PBS will be the livestreaming provider for the Little Rock Touchdown Club 2025 season, giving viewers statewide a front-row seat in the room with veteran coaches, NFL Hall of Famers, analysts and others. Each week Aug. 18-Nov. 24, Arkansas Live will provide livestreaming coverage of the Little Rock Touchdown Club at myarpbs.org/touchdownclub.
This year’s speaker lineup will include:
Tuesday, Aug. 26 – Jimmy Johnson, former University of Arkansas football player, two-time Super Bowl champion.
Tuesday, Sept. 2 – Lawrence Taylor, NFL Hall of Famer, two-time Super Bowl champion.
Monday, Sept. 8 – Darren McFadden, former NFL and University of Arkansas running back.
Monday, Sept. 15 – Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas director of athletics.
Monday, Sept. 22 – Tim Brown, Notre Dame Heisman Trophy winner, NFL and College Football Hall of Famer.
Monday, Sept. 29 – Craig James, "College GameDay” founder, former Southern Methodist University running back.
Monday, Oct. 6 – Butch Jones, Arkansas State University head football coach.
Monday, Oct. 13 – Nathan Brown, University of Central Arkansas head football coach.
Tuesday, Oct. 21 – Kelli Finglass, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader director and former cheerleader.
Monday, Oct. 27 – Holly Rowe, ESPN commentator.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 – Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner.
Monday, Nov. 10 – Madre Hill and Anthony Lucas, former Arkansas Razorbacks football players.
Monday, Nov. 17 – Mack Brown, former University of Texas and University of North Carolina football coach.
Monday, Nov. 24 – Mark May, College Football Hall of Famer, former ESPN analyst.
Tickets on sale for Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens
Tickets for the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens – a PGA TOUR Champions playoff event – are now on sale to the public. For a complete listing of ticket options or to purchase tickets, please visit the tournament website at simmonsbankchampionship.com.
The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens will be held at Pleasant Valley Country Club , Little Rock, Arkansas with activities throughout the week of Oct. 20-26. Tournament play will take place Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26. The tournament will serve as the second round of the PGA TOUR Champions' annual Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. The field will consist of the top 54 players in the standings competing for $2.3 million in prize money and a chance to earn their spot among the top 36 in the final event of the season.
"There's so much momentum heading into this year's Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens," said Freddie Black, Tournament Chair of Simmons Bank Championship. "Being selected for the PGA Tour Champion's Player Award last year – a recognition voted on by the players themselves – speaks volumes about the experience we're building here. We can't wait to welcome fans back this fall for another incredible week of golf."
General admission ticket options include daily Friday, Saturday or Sunday tickets for $30, Good Any One Day tickets for $35 or $85 weekend tickets for all three days of competition rounds. Children ages 15 and under will receive free general admission access with a ticketed adult. An upgraded 15th green shared hospitality ticket is also available to purchase for $300 per day or $850 for the weekend and provides access to an open-air venue with ballpark style food, beer, wine and seltzers. Liquor is available for purchase.
Active, reserve, and retired military will receive two (2) complimentary Good Any Day tickets (single use ticket good for one of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) with an option to purchase up to four (4) discounted Good Any Day tickets. In order to checkout, military status will be verified through GovX. Complimentary military tickets are limited and only available while supplies last.
For more information, visit the simmonsbankchampionship.com or contact sales@simmonsbankchampionship.com.
For more information about the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens, to purchase tickets and to stay up to date on tournament news, visit the tournament website, simmonsbankchampionship.com.
Upcoming Travs games
Six game homestand against the Springfield Cardinals
Thursday, 6:35 p.m.
Little Rock Nine Weekend: Join us in commemorating the 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School, with the Travs wearing special uniforms. More event information will be released soon!
Operation: Military Appreciation: $3 Thursday: Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and select Concessions deals!
Friday, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday - Celebrating Black Artists: End your week at DSP with a BANG!
Little Rock Nine Weekend: Join us in commemorating the 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School, with the Travs wearing special uniforms. More event information will be released soon!
Saturday, 6:05 p.m.
Cole Young Bobblehead Giveaway: Presented By Hardee's | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Little Rock Nine Weekend: Join us in commemorating the 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School, with the Travs wearing special uniforms. More event information will be released soon!
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
Sunday, 1:35 p.m.
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at DSP Box Office) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
At Wichita, Aug. 26-31
Six game homestand with the Amarillo Sod Poodles
Regular season home finale, Sunday, Sept.7 against Amarillo
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 6:35 p.m.
No promotions scheduled
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 6:35 p.m.
No promotions scheduled
Thursday, Sept. 4, 6:35 p.m.
Operation: Military Appreciation: $3 Thursday: Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and select Concessions deals!
Friday, Sept. 5, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday - Fans' Choice / Sing-Along: End your week at DSP with a BANG! | Presented By Simmons Bank
Saturday, Sept. 6, 6:05 p.m.
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
Sunday, Sept. 7, 1:35 p.m.
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at DSP Box Office) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
At Tulsa, Sept, 9-Sept. 14
Health
Pandemic deaths unknown
The state Department of Health didn’t update the state’s dashboard this week, again, and deaths still total 532 for the past year. There’s no tab created for 2025 either and the virus has now killed 14,162 Arkansans since the pandemic began then. That would mean the pandemic death toll has now passed Marion’s 13,635 people, the state’s 29th largest city.
Covid toolkit
There’s now a one-stop shop to learn about vaccination sites and other Covid related information. Click here to learn more.
If you don’t want to get sick and die, there’s some things you can do:
Get vaccinated
Get boosted
Wear a mask
Avoid crowds